Show notes
In this moving episode of the Therapy Works podcast, Lotte Bowser shares her heart-wrenching journey of losing her partner Ben to cancer and COVID-19 complications. She discusses the profound challenges of grief, the impact of his illness and death on her life, and the arduous process of rebuilding her life anew. Lottie reflects on various therapeutic practices, including writing and journalling, which helped her process pain and find a semblance of resolution. The conversation delves into the physical nature of grief, radical self-compassion, and the complexities of starting a new relationship while mourning. Lottie opens up about societal pressures surrounding grief, the duality of life balancing grief and joy, and reentering the dating world. She emphasises the importance of community support, the interplay of sex and death, and the need for sensitivity and understanding from others. This episode offers listeners insights into the enduring nature of grief and the resilience required to embrace new beginnings.00:35 Facing the Greatest Challenge: Loss of a Partner03:39 Coping with Grief and Finding Joy06:22 Rebuilding Life After Loss11:16 Navigating New Relationships21:44 Seeking Support and Connection23:10 Finding Strength in Numbers24:32 Choosing Life Amidst Grief24:59 Radical Compassion and Self-Permission25:30 The Unfixable Nature of Death27:02 Holding Grief and Joy Simultaneously27:40 The Taboo of Sex and Grief31:12 Writing as a Therapeutic Outlet33:42 Physical Manifestations of Grief34:46 The Universal Experience of Grief36:41 The Duality of Bittersweet38:19 Living Fully After Loss48:32 The Creative Endeavour of Relationships50:21 Complexity in Different Types of BereavementFind Lotte Bowser: Instagram: @lottebowserRead her book, Bittersweet: https://amzn.eu/d/4TMzEmVListen to her podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VffRbs0rN3U2BC3qJ8wW1?si=b04773d8c32a4622Otherwise, if you’d like to connect, I post regularly on Instagram, with more thoughts and some Monday Top Tips. Follow me on @juliasamuelmbe.And for more info, check out my new website: juliasamuel.co.uk.Wild Nutrition are offering an exclusive limited time offer to Therapy Works’ listeners: 50% off your first 3 months when you visit wildnutrition.com/therapy, that’s wildnutrition.com/therapy for 50% off your first 3 months. T&Cs apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
